Guwahati: It was heartbreak for the Indian hockey fans at Moullana MD Tayabullah Hockey Stadium at Bhetapara in Guwahati as India went down to archrivals Pakistan in an exciting gold medal encounter at the 12th South Asian Games on Friday.

The match between India and Pakistan after the group stage saw the first half starting in an attacking manner by both the teams. Pakistan similar to their last encounter with India pressing hard in the initial moments of the game to get the first goal. Pakistan was dominating in the first 15 minutes of the half with continuous circle penetrations. India picked their game up after 15 minutes into the half taking control of the possession and making use of any gaps provided by the Pakistani team to launch a counter attack.

The 19th minute of the match saw a close miss by the Indian team in front of the goal resulting from a counter attack. Pakistan took advantage of the experience in the team and launched a counter attack in the added time in the first half. Despite of the best efforts of goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya, Awais –Ur Rehman was able to score taking the score to 1-0 at a crucial juncture of the game.

The second half started with India pushing hard to score the equalizer. India started holding possession and started playing attacking hockey making confident moves in front of the Pakistani goal. The attacks looked strong but none of them were converted into a goal by the Indian forwards. India missed some close chances with a penalty corner miss on 67th minute and in the added time of the second half. Pakistan team’s defense held their nerve till the last moment and the match ended with 1-0 win for Pakistan.